Prime Factorization Using the Ladder Method
The ladder diagram method presents a structured approach to breaking down numbers into their prime factors. This systematic process involves dividing numbers by prime factors until reaching the smallest possible prime numbers.
Definition: Prime factorization is the process of breaking down a number into a product of prime numbers.
Example: The number 36 is broken down through the following steps:
- 36 ÷ 2 = 18
- 18 ÷ 2 = 9
- 9 ÷ 3 = 3
- 3 ÷ 3 = 1
Highlight: The final result can be written in two forms:
- Expanded form: 2 × 2 × 3 × 3
- Exponential form: 2² × 3²
Vocabulary:
- Prime number: A number that has exactly two factors - 1 and itself
- Exponential form: A way to write repeated multiplication using powers
- Expanded form: Writing out all prime factors as multiplication
Quote: "Pick a prime number and divide, repeat until all prime factors are found."